Today’s topic is Body: be active
Your body is the engine that powers your well-being. It’s designed to move. Physical activities like walking, waltzing or wii-ing can positively influence the way you think, feel and function. Practicing an activity you enjoy for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, is a necessary ingredient for a long and happy life. (www.wheelofwellbeing.org).
Some simple things that I enjoy include:
Walks with my dogs – without distractions –mobile telephone free, simply being present with them. I particularly enjoy (as do they) walking on local bush tracks on the days when I am not working, or working from home. Listening to the birds, looking at the gorgeous bush – it all refreshes and reenergises me.
Weekday evening walks with my dogs – we walk a few blocks in my neighbourhood. Again, without distractions –simply being present with them. And I notice my surroundings – I’m particularly fond of the beautiful structure of a local gum tree and will often stop to gaze at it.
Walking from the train – I enjoy observing my surroundings and focusing on the walk. With my mobile telephone away, I can daydream, or think, whichever I fancy on the day.
Mowing the lawn – as odd as it seems, I quite enjoy mowing the lawn. I can see very clearly the change, it looks good, and its good exercise.
Walking by the local river – I am lucky enough to live close-ish to a river where there are some lovely walks.
Having had an incomplete spinal cord injury some years ago, I recognise that being physically active is difficult for people with disabilities and/or chronic pain. Do things that you enjoy, that are within your capabilities. For instance other things I have done include going to the local pool - walking a few laps in the water (I don't enjoy swimming), and a low impact aquarobics class. There are even physiotherapy sessions in my local pool.
These are just a few ideas of things that many of us could do to improve our own well-being, and just as importantly, the well-being of others. For more ideas from others simply go to the Wheel of Well-being (www.wheelofwellbeing.org).